December 2, 2011, Mt. Rainier, Pan Point

Friday was an absolutely beautiful day but conditions were about the worst I've seen in the Pan Point area.  Lots of rocks, ice, windblown, rain crust, more ice...did I mention the ice?  Just climbing the upper part of Pan Point required a bit of attention if you didn't have crampons.  On the positive side we found some reasonable turns in the upper Edith Creek basin and as long as you've got a wide ski should be able to ride it out.  The Muir snowfield itself could be fine but we didn't go quite that far.  If nothing else, it was a good day to practice your skills in 'variable' conditions but more snow is needed.  Maybe that's why we were the only ones up there?